What happens if you receive a negative Outcome Letter from VETASSESS? A practical guide to what to do
- Valentina Omaña
- Sep 19
- 3 min read
Imagine that after weeks of preparing documents, translating certificates, and paying fees, you finally receive the long-awaited letter from VETASSESS… and discover that your result is negative.
Your heart races, doubts start to appear, and the first question that crosses your mind is: What does this mean for my future in Australia?
Don’t worry. A negative Outcome Letter is not the end of your journey, but rather a signal that you need to adjust your strategy. Here we explain what this document looks like, why it happens, and, most importantly, what you can do about it.
What does a negative Outcome Letter look like?
The Outcome Letter is the official letter that VETASSESS provides at the end of your skills assessment. When it’s negative, it usually includes:
Header with your details: Name, date, nominated occupation, and ANZSCO code.
Clear result: A direct statement indicating that the result is negative.
Explanation of requirements: For example, stating that your occupation requires at least a Bachelor Degree or higher in a highly relevant field.
Assessment of your qualifications: Your degrees are compared with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). If the level is lower, like an Advanced Diploma, it doesn’t meet the requirements.
Additional courses: Short programs (e.g., 120-hour TEFL) are usually not recognized as formal qualifications.
Work experience: Even if you’ve worked for years, your experience doesn’t count if it doesn’t follow a qualification recognized at the required level.
Conclusion: If you don’t meet the requirements for both studies and experience, the final result will be negative.
In other words, the letter details what went wrong and why you didn’t meet the Australian standard.
Below is a real example of a negative result from VETASSESS.
❌ Why do negative results happen?
The most common reasons are:
Your degree is below the required AQF level.
Your field of study is not considered “highly relevant” to the occupation.
Your work experience, although extensive, is not recognized because it does not follow a valid qualification.
You submitted courses or certifications that cannot be equated to an Australian degree.
Does this sound familiar? Many professionals go through this. The important thing is to understand that it’s not a personal rejection, but a technical issue regarding requirements.
What to do if you receive a negative Outcome Letter?
Take a deep breath and follow these steps:
Read your letter carefully: Identify whether the issue was the level of your degree, the relevance of your career, or your work experience.
Consider a review or appeal: VETASSESS allows you to request a review within the first 90 days, but this is only advisable if you have new evidence or if there was a clear error in the assessment.
Evaluate other ANZSCO occupations: Maybe your profile fits better with another occupation that has requirements more aligned with your studies and experience.
Enhance your qualifications: In some cases, the most strategic move is to complete a Bachelor Degree or additional studies in Australia.
Seek expert advice: Professional support can save you time, money, and frustration, helping you present the correct occupation with the right documentation.
At SkillsPRO, with our experience in Skills Assessment, we help professionals design the most effective strategy for their migration, minimizing costs and maximizing visa and employment opportunities in Australia.
Our services include:
✔️ Review and preparation of all required documents.
✔️ NAATI-certified translations of your academic and relevant documents.
✔️ Comprehensive guidance on what documents are essential for your specific occupation.
✔️ Free consultation to help you understand your case and provide the best options – Book your free consultation here
If you want more information about the Skills Assessment process, migration, or simply want to connect with other professionals, we invite you to join our WhatsApp group "Latinos Profesionales en Australia" 🇦🇺. Share experiences, ask questions, and find support on your path to residency in Australia. You can also join our Facebook group here.
Comments